When did you first become interested in weather and meteorology?

I first became interested in weather when I was very young, probably 5 or 6 years old. A particularly severe thunderstorm came through and woke me up in the middle of the night with crashing thunder. I was fascinated by the intense lightning and heavy rain. and thought how awesome it was that could occur.

What inspired you to start sharing forecasts and alerts with your community?

In high school, I forecasted for a local digital broadcast, which gave me experience in front of the camera and prepared me for what I'm doing now at OU. While TV forecasts cover large regions well, there's often a need for hyperlocal details for smaller communities.  Filling that gap and providing a trustworthy, neighborhood-level forecast has always been fulfilling to me.

What drives you to go out during severe weather when others are staying safe indoors?

First off, I want people to be aware of what's happening in their community, to aid them in making informed decisions, whether that's avoiding a flooded intersection or taking shelter from a tornado. Second, it's fun. I wholeheartedly enjoy being outside in whatever weather occurs. And there's been some wild stuff, ranging from hailstones to blizzard conditions. 

How do you approach your role during emergencies or fast-changing situations?

Usually, I just drop everything and go. To be everywhere in these moments sometimes requires making sacrifices. Finding ways to make coverage happen can be the most difficult part while managing schoolwork and other responsibilities. 

What’s the most dangerous or memorable field report you’ve ever done?

The most memorable and dangerous were the wildfires this spring. Winds were exceeding 60 miles per hour with limited visibility from a dust storm, debris blowing across roadways and powerlines on the verge of falling. The fires spread rapidly and unpredictably. I'll never forget watching residents standing helplessly as their home was engulfed in flames. Fire trucks rushed past, not out of disregard, but to rapidly evacuate the neighborhood the fire was heading to next.

What are your long-term goals in journalism or meteorology?

I'm immersing myself in all the opportunities OU Student Media provides while reflecting on what I want to do after college. I know I want to help people prepare and stay apprised of what's going on in their community.

What kind of projects and involvement did you undertake as part of the President’s Community Scholars?

PCS is very much community-service oriented, with a focus on individual leadership development. Speakers came every week and gave us valuable insight into how to grow in so many meaningful ways. We did several service projects on campus and in Oklahoma City while developing deep connections with those around us. 

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Investing in the Next Generation of Servant Leaders

The President’s Community Scholars program offers selected, high-achieving Sooners like Willie Gillespie a freshman year enriched by leadership, service and connection. Thanks to a generous lead gift, OU has launched the PCS Shaping Servant Leaders Programming Endowment Fund to support and expand the program’s impact.

“We are working to increase this endowment so PCS can offer even more scholarship and programming funds,” says PCS Director Kari Dawkins. 

The fund supports a wide range of expenses, including student travel, speaker fees and other programming costs. It also helps provide scholarships for students with financial need and for those taking on leadership roles within PCS during their sophomore year.

Programming includes weekly dinners with community leaders, service trips to Tulsa and Oklahoma City, a fall retreat and a spring leadership conference. Throughout the year, PCS students volunteer with local organizations and organize events like Norman’s McKinley Elementary Family Fun Night.

Learn more at ou.edu/pcs.